Obituaries

William “Bill” Lytle Aug. 5, 1950 - June 16, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — William “Bill” Lytle, age 70, of McCook, passed away at Community Hospital of McCook on June 16, 2021. Bill was born at St. Catherine’s Hospital in McCook on Aug. 5, 1950, to Virgil and Evelyn (McKillip) Lytle. He attended school in McCook, graduating from McCook High School in 1968. He attended McCook College for two years...

Michael C. Steinhour Nov. 23, 1962 - May 21, 2021 BARTLEY, Neb. — Michael C. Steinhour, age 58, of Bartley, passed away on May 21, 2021, at his home. He was born on Nov. 23, 1962, in McCook, Neb., to Arley and Leana (Lofton) Steinhour. Michael graduated from McCook High School in 1981 and attended Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kan., where he earned an electrical technology degree. ...

Thomas Joseph Ruda March 3, 1943 - May 31, 2021 ATWOOD, Kan. — Thomas Joseph Ruda passed away at the age of 78 on May 31, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society Center, Atwood Kansas. He was born March 3, 1943, to John and Rose (Sis) Ruda in Colby, Kan...

Warren Newcomb Sept. 4, 1927 - June 15, 2021 CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Warren Newcomb, age 93, passed away at his home near Cambridge on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. He was born on Sept. 4, 1927, to parents, W. D. and Pearl (Cotton) Newcomb. Warren attended country school through the eighth grade at a one-room schoolhouse, one-half mile east of his farm home. ...

Lyman Lee Black Feb. 22, 1942 - June 14, 2021 OBERLIN, Kan. — Lyman Lee Black, 79, died Monday (June 14, 2021), at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. He was born Feb. 22, 1942, to Eldon and Mildred (Hessenflow) Black in Oberlin. He married Sharon Smith on Aug. 21, 1960...

Wilma Pauline Bates Feb. 20, 1930 - May 31, 2021 BEAVER CITY, Neb. — Wilma Pauline Bates passed quietly from this life to the next in the early morning hours of May 31, 2021, at the Beaver City Manor, she was 91 years of age. Wilma was born in Hendley, Neb., on Feb. 20, 1930 to George and Bertha Lehn Brubaker...

Leona Ann Brehm Sigwing Jan. 13, 1943 - June 11, 2021 LENEXA, Kan. — Leona Ann Brehm Sigwing returned to our Heavenly Father early Thursday morning, June 11, 2021 at the Kansas City Hospice House. Leona was born on Jan. 13, 1943 in Culbertson, Neb. Leona leaves behind a younger brother, Dennis L. Brehm of Kansas City, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther Hein Brehm and Henry Brehm, and two brothers Donald W. Brehm and Kenneth K. Brehm...

Marlene Johnson MCDONALD, Kan. — Marlene Johnson, 90, died Friday (June 11, 2021), at the Wheat Haven Home McDonald. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at McDonald Federated Church at 10:30 a.m. CDT. Interment is at Grace Cemetery, McDonald...

Bill Dean Carmin Feb. 13, 1963 - May 3, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. —Bill Dean Carmin, 58, of McCook, died Monday, May 3, 2021, at his home in McCook with loved ones at his side. He was born in Greeley, Colo., to Richard Dean and Janette Barbara (Thompson) Carmin on Feb. 13, 1963...

Jacqueline Lankford OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Jacqueline Lankford, 77, formerly of McCook, died Monday (June 14, 2021), at the Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park. Services are pending at this time; service information and a full obituary will be posted when available...

Bonnie Catherine Marquette Oct. 18, 1935 - June 12, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Bonnie Catherine Marquette, age 85, of McCook, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Hillcrest Caring Center in McCook. Bonnie was born Oct. 18, 1935, in Sutherland, Neb., to parents, Edward and Evelyn (Anderson) Meyen. Bonnie graduated from high school in Commerce City, Colo., in 1953...

Larry “Bugs” Foster Feb. 5, 1939 - Nov. 9, 2020 BARTLEY, Neb. — Larry “Bugs” Foster, 81, of Bartley, died Nov. 9, 2020, at Community Hospital in McCook. He was born in Omaha, Neb. on Feb. 5, 1939, to Leo and Dorothy (Wight) Foster. Graveside services with full military honors are Saturday, June 19, 2021, 11 a.m., at the Bartley Cemetery in Bartley with Jim Jones providing words of comfort...

William “Bill” Whitaker May 9, 1935 - June 13, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. —William “Bill” Whitaker, 86, a longtime resident of and business owner in McCook, was surrounded by his family when he passed away, Sunday morning, June 13, 2021, at Kinship Point in McCook...

Paul E. Liebig KEARNEY, Neb. — Paul E. Liebig, 69, of Kearney, died Wednesday (June 9, 2021), at his home. Visitation is Monday, June 14, 2021, from 5-6 p.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney with a vigil service to follow at 6 p.m. Services are Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 10:30 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney with the Rev. Paul Colling and Rev. Sagar officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Kearney Cemetery...

Karen Kay (Kay) Robb Dec. 8, 1940 - June 5, 2021 GREELEY, Colo. — Karen Kay (Kay) Robb, 80, passed away Friday, June 5, 2021, in Greeley. She was born Dec. 8, 1940, to Rosellia (Sally) and Raymond D. Richter. She attended Hayes County Nebraska schools and graduated from Galeton, Colo., in 1960, where she was Homecoming Queen, sang in the choir, was on the newspaper and annual staff and was Senior class secretary. ...

Edward Don Rinehart Sept. 13, 1960 - June 8, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Edward Don Rinehart, age 60, of McCook, was surrounded by the love of his family when he passed away at his home in McCook on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. He was born to Donnie and Carol (Emrich) Rinehart on Sept. 13, 1960, in Cambridge, Neb. Ed graduated from Republican Valley High School with the Class of 1978...

James Lynn Trail Jan. 18, 1951 - June 2, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — James Lynn Trail, age 70, of McCook, passed away peacefully at his home in McCook on June 2, 2021. Jim was born Jan. 18, 1951, in McCook to his parents, Rollin and Elynnor (Hoyt) Trail. He was the youngest of five children. ...

Virginia May Reynolds Bolles June 5, 1925 - May 28, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Virginia May Reynolds Bolles passed into glory on May 28, 2021. She was born at home in McCook, Neb., on June 5, 1925, the oldest of nine and the first daughter to Francis and Lila Campbell Reynolds. ...

Virgil V. VanCleave, Sr. McCOOK, Neb. — Virgil V. VanCleave, Sr., 74, of McCook, died Dec. 25, 2020, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. Memorial services are Saturday, June 12, 2021, 2:30 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook...

Mary Esther Bennett Aug. 26, 1942 - Feb. 19, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Mary Esther Bennett, 78, of McCook, died Feb. 19, 2021, at Community Hospital in McCook. She was born to James and Margie (Bogart) Plotts on Aug. 26, 1942, in Oberlin, Kan. Memorial services are Thursday, June 10, 2021, 10:30 a.m., at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with the Rev. Dale Heimer officiating...

William “Bill” Knapp LEROY, Mich. — William “Bill” Knapp, 89, currently residing in LeRoy, died Friday, June 4, 2021, at Cadillac Hospital after a prolonged recovery from COVID.  He was surrounded by family when he passed. Bill was born in Detroit, Mich., in 1932, son of Harold and Lola Knapp.  After leaving the Army post World War II, Bill worked diligently at many jobs across the country, from mechanic, to technical writer and later in life with his wife, Sandy, running a small-town cafe. ...

Lila Rose (Woeppel) Day Nov. 13, 1938 - May 31, 2021 FREMONT, Neb. — Lila Rose (Woeppel) Day, 82, of Fremont, passed away Monday, May 31, 2021, at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont. Lila was born Nov. 13, 1938, to Elmer and Addie (Mikkelsen) Woeppel, in Ewing, Neb. She grew up in Ewing and graduated from Ewing High School in 1956...

Thomas Joseph Ruda March 3, 1943 - May 21, 2021 ATWOOD, Neb. — Thomas Joseph Ruda, 78, of Atwood, died May 31, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society-Atwood. He was born March.3, 1943, in Colby, Kan., to John E. and Rose (Sis) Ruda. Cremation was chosen. A private inurnment has taken place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Atwood...

Dora Ann “Dodie” Powell Dec. 26, 1934 - June 2, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Dora Ann “Dodie” Powell passed away at the age of 86 on Tuesday, June 2, 2021, at her home in McCook. Dodie was born on Dec. 26, 1934, in Tulsa, Okla., to Howard “Olie” and Vera Adele (Himes) Olson. ...

Rosalie D. (Coburn) Wittman Aug. 7, 1936 - May 26, 2021 PALM DESERT, Calif. - Rosalie D. (Coburn) Wittman passed away May 26, 2021. Rosalie was born to John and Valeria Coburn on a farm north of Indianola. She attended Red Willow High School, McCook Junior College, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At the university she majored in music, and pledged the Delta Delta Delta sorority...

Joan Bartels Feb. 22, 1936 - May 26, 2021 IMPERIAL, Neb. — Joan Bartels, age 85, died on May 26, 2021. She was born on Feb. 22, 1936, to Joe and Laura (Graham) Sauer. The family lived in Benkelman, Neb., until she was nine and then moved to Imperial, where her dad opened a feed store. ...

Debra A. Petty KEARNEY, Neb. — Debra A. Petty, age 63, of Kearney, died Thursday, June 3, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Memorial services are Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 2 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney with the Rev. Chad Anderson officiating. There will be no visitation...

Allan James Otter March 26, 1947 - Nov. 22, 2020 McCOOK, Neb. — Allan James Otter, age 73, of McCook, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at Lakeside CHI in Omaha, Neb. Allan was born on March 26, 1947, in New Almelo, Kan., to Leo and Agnes (Bruggeman) Otter. He was one of 12 children born to this union. Allan attended school in Leoville, Kan. He furthered his education at Dodge City Community College and St. Mary’s of the Plains, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education...

Gary V. Hobbs Jan. 14, 1953, - May 27, 2021 TRENTON, Neb. — Gary V. Hobbs, age 68, of Trenton, passed away Thursday, May 27, 2021, at El Dorado Manor in Trenton. Gary was born on Jan. 14, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio, to parents, Jack V. and Edith (Darst) Hobbs...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Virginia May Reynolds Bolles passed into glory on May 28, 2021. She was born at home in McCook, Neb., June 5, 1925, the oldest of nine and the first daughter to Francis and Lila Campbell Reynolds. She attended elementary and high school in McCook. ...

Marian (Meininger) Walters Oct. 6, 1933 - May 31, 2021 LINCOLN, Neb. — Marian Walters, 87, of Lincoln, passed away May 31, 2021. She was born McCook, Neb., the daughter of Reinhold and Frieda (Dietz) Meininger. Marian married Dale Walters of Benkelman, Neb., in 1954 after meeting at an Easter sunrise church service. ...

Robert “Bob” Gerald Newcomb July 12, 1927 - May 30, 2021 BERTRAND, Neb. — Robert “Bob” Gerald Newcomb passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021, at the age of 93 at the Bertrand Nursing Home, Bertrand, Neb. He was born July 12, 1927, at the family homestead north of Cambridge, Neb., in Frontier County to Edward and Grace (Baker) Newcomb. He was the fourth of five children for Edward and Grace...

Michael Dean Schliz Sept. 10, 1957 - May 28, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — On Friday, May 28, 2021, Mike Schilz passed away at the age of 63 after a brief hospital stay after suffering cardiac arrest. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Beverly Schilz...

Marian R. Lieske Sept. 21, 1939 - April 27, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Marian R. Lieske, age 81, of McCook, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Center in Grand Island, Neb. Marian was born Sept. 21, 1939, in Sioux City, Iowa, to parents, Delbert E. and Ruth V. (Woods) Schuler. The family later relocated to the McCook community, where Marian attended school, graduating from McCook High School with the Class of 1957...

Eunice Arlene (Nealeigh) Campbell Aug. 3,1947 - July 3, 2020 NAALEHU, Hawaii — Eunice Arlene (Nealeigh) Campbell, 72, died July 3, 2020, at Naalehu. A memorial service is Saturday, June 19, 2021, 11a.m., at Trenton United Methodist Church. Memorials can be given in her name to Naalehu Methodist Church Kitchen Fund, P.O. Box 232, Naalehu, HI 96772...

Gary V. Hobbs TRENTON, Neb. — Gary V. Hobbs, 68, of Trenton, died Thursday (May 27, 2021), in Trenton. Services are pending with Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook.

Aubrey Bradford Feb. 20, 1988 - May 17, 2021 NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Mr. Aubrey Bradford, age 33, of Newport News, Va., passed away while on active duty on May 17, 2021, in Virginia. Aubrey was born Feb. 20, 1988, in Boise, Idaho, to parents, Barry Rhett and Michelle Anjeanette (Waller) Bradford. He attended school in California, graduating from high school in Barstow, Calif., in 2006. Following high school, from 2006 to 2014, Aubrey worked for a construction crew in Idaho...

M. Marlene “Marty” Utterback Sept. 22, 1943 - May 26, 2021 ARAPAHOE, Neb. — M. Marlene “Marty” Utterback, 77, of Arapahoe, died Wednesday (May 26, 2021). She was born Sept. 22, 1943 in Benkelman, Neb., to Clarence and Treva (Byerly) Hoover. She married James T. Utterback Jr. on Oct. 16, 1976. She worked in the food service industry and healthcare...

Robert George Beck Dec. 23, 1951 - Nov. 11, 2020 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —Robert George Beck, 68, of Nixa, Mo., passed away Nov. 11, 2020, in Springfield. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 5, 2021, 1 p.m (MT), at the Benkelman United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 803 Chief Street in Benkelman...

Robert “Bob” Miller April 7, 1940 - May 19, 2021 SALEM, Ore. — Robert “Bob” Miller, 81, of Salem, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and children after a long battle with prostate cancer on May 19, 2021. He was born in Denver, Colo., on April 7, 1940. Bob graduated from Indianola High School in Indianola, Neb. He attended Kearney State College in Kearney, Neb., and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He married Monica Schaaf on May 28, 1965...

Karl Bruce Wendelin March 11, 1949 - March 29, 2021 OBERLIN, Kan. — Karl Bruce Wendelin, 72, died March 29, 2021. He was born March 11, 1949, to Karl L. and Edna (nee Holle) Wendelin in McCook, Neb. He was preceded in death by his sister, Holle Jean; parents; and brother, Norman...

Harold L. Perkins May 30, 1931 - Nov. 14, 2020 BENKELMAN, Neb. — Harold L. Perkins, age 89, of Benkelman, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. Harold was born May 30, 1931, in Denver, Colo., to parents, James and Lola (Sharpe) Perkins. He was one of 10 siblings who grew up in Colorado, attending school and graduating from Bennett High School in Bennett, Colo...